1916 Standing Liberty Quarter

I have the following picture of a 1916 standing liberty quarter. Can anyone tell me if it is genuine?

 

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It is very difficult to see the coin thru the plastic on the holder.

That is a very high grade for that coin, but my gut (based on the surfaces, that I can see) is that it is NG.

Better pictures are needed.

 

Can you get better pictures? It's hard to say from these views, but I'm leaning toward counterfeit to stay on the safe side. Without close-ups, it's very hard to say, but I've seen a lot of Chinese counterfeits and most of them have that sort of "dark and creamy" look to them that this coin has. That's not to say it's definitely a fake, it could very well be real. But it's enough for me to say I wouldn't buy it without examining it in-hand or sending it through a TPG. In that grade, that's a very expensive coin, and if you're thinking of buying it and have even the slightest doubt, you should insist on having it certified. Most reputable dealers will do this -- it may take time and a small fee, but it's well worth it.

 

Even will that "blurry and distant" photo, this coin screams fake.

 

With that picture, it's impossible to even make out the date, let alone whether or not it's genuine. But I would agree that it does seem to "scream fake".

 

This coin is offered to me for sale at a very low price which makes me a little skeptical. I'm meeting with the guy today to see it in hand and will try to post updated pictures today. I'm not 100% sure on how to proceed but do have a scale that I can weigh it (to make sure its in line with specs). Any other ways to determine a good counterfiet vs. the real thing?

 

Even in G-4 condition, the 1916 is worth 4-figures. I would be very wary.

I would suggest that you look in coin books and on the internet for pictures of genuine 1916 SL quarters to get a sense of what they look like.

 

I can't tell from the pictures, but like stated above, in that grade, if legit, is very expensive. Even from those small pictures, I am pretty sure that it's fake, as most fakes look just like that with the same color. I would be pretty careful on dealing. I would just go buy one that is already certified, at a coin show would be your best bet. That way you can see it in hand before you buy.

 

I'm trying to do this smartly and not rush into buying something that might turn out fake. I will be taking my own pictures today and seeing it in person. He is offering it to me for what a very low grade would typically go for.

Someone in another forum commented "The only diagnostic that is clear to me is the robe below her right arm. That is the 1917 type, so it is not a genuine 1916 from what I can see." To me it seems like the robe is the same for both the 1916 and 1917.

 

Here's all the diagnostics you need:

http://www.slqcoins.us/educational.html

 

Exactly. Print this and take it with you.

If it's too good to be true...

Bring a magnet.
Lance.

 

Or buy the same coin direct from Bei Jing for ninety-nine cents (with free shipping). And don't worry, the "copy" will NOT be there:

http://cgi.ebay.com/REPLICA-1916-St...38?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item27bad206de

 

From the pictures that you've posted, it is absolutely impossible to tell. I will say this: The 1916 SLQ is a very desirable coin and commands a premium, not a discount. A coin of this grade (seemingly VF or so) if genuine, would most likely be authenticated and graded by a reputable TPG.

The fact that this coin is not TPG'd sends up many red flags. The fact that it is being offered at a discount raises many more.

There are many fakes out there and one should not spend four-figures on a raw coin unless they are experts on that coin.

An "opportunity of a lifetime" is usually an opportunity to get cheated like you've never been cheated before in your life.

I'd pass on this one.

 

Thanks for all the replies. The patina of the coin looks to match the .99c replica but the coins do have some differences as well. I'll try the magnet test and take some close up pictures and will update my story.

 

Warning, Will Robinson! WARNING!!!

 

Here is the pictures I took today. It did not stick to a magnet and weighed 7.9-8.1g with a .50c cardboard flip with 3 staples. So what do you experts think?

 

I am 99% sure that the coin is fake, the date looks completely wrong. I hope you didn't take the plunge. I'd pass.

 

I have not taken the plunge. I wanted the advise of you fine folk here first. IF its real I can get it for a very low price....

 

The surface of the coin looks porous to me which is a bad sign. Plus, the job "just doesn't look right." Also, I am a firm believe that "if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is." I would run from this coin.

 

I was thinking it looks like maybe a 1917 coin that was altered into a 1916?